Close to 54 000 metres of cables stolen within 6 months in Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has seen an increase in the past six months of stolen infrastructure.

83 suspects were arrested, between July and December 2023, which is a 34% increase compared to the same period the year before.

COURTESY - CoCT

Officers also recovered more than 1 200 kilograms of metal, and close to 54 000 metres of stolen cable. Staff also impounded eight vehicles, and issued 1 557 fines for various by-law transgressions.

MMC for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, says the theft of public infrastructure hampers services.

‘’The increase in arrests and confiscations show once more the extent of the challenges linked to cable and metal theft. The impact on services, the economy and the repairs and maintenance budgets of departments who bear the brunt of the scourge is well documented. And, the load on our metal theft unit, but enforcement services on the whole, is not getting any lighter.’’

COURTESY - CoCT: Metal theft Unit inspects bucket shop

Smith says metal thieves get ‘smarter’ each time, but warns that officers are wise too.

‘’The strategies of metal thieves are constantly changing, with new trends every few months, which require counter strategies and a unit that is nimble enough to change direction where needed. While it would be unwise to reveal the particulars of our playbook, we are already using existing tools like our integrated policing incident system to help map hotspots, for example, and we are always on the hunt for existing or new tech solutions that aid our enforcement efforts in this area,' said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

The public is urged to report cable theft to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

 

Done by: Bush Radio News reporter